Diabetic Driver Faces Inquest Over Deadly Pub Crash, Missed Alerts
Explosive new details have emerged as a diabetic driver was compelled to give evidence about a tragic incident that claimed five lives outside a Victorian pub. William Swale, 69, testified at a coroner's inquest into the deadly crash he caused, despite his initial objections, claiming he failed to hear 10 alerts warning of dangerously low blood sugar levels.
Fatal Incident and Legal Proceedings
The diabetic property tycoon ploughed his BMW into picnic tables at the Royal Daylesford Hotel in regional Victoria in 2023, during a severe hypoglycaemic attack. The crash killed five people, including two children, and injured six others. Swale was originally charged with 14 offences, such as culpable driving causing death, but all charges were dismissed by a magistrate who ruled his actions were involuntary.
During hours of questioning, Swale was grilled on his condition management and knowledge of VicRoads rules. The court heard he was diagnosed with diabetes in 1994 but did not notify VicRoads for over 20 years. When asked about his licence obligations, Swale stated, "My GP thought my specialist was doing it. My specialist thought my GP was doing it."
Critical Details and Apology
Swale admitted he typically avoided driving if his blood glucose levels were below eight, but they were recorded at just 2.9 before the crash. He refuted suggestions that he likely knew he was having a hypoglycaemic event, saying, "I don't accept that." Despite 10 alarms from his blood glucose monitor, Swale maintains he never heard them, blaming Bluetooth connectivity issues with his phone.
Prompted by his lawyer, Swale issued a heartfelt apology: "Of course I'm sorry, it's a catastrophe that should not have happened. I'm devastated to be a part of it." He confirmed he no longer drives and expressed ongoing trauma for the families affected.
Background and Investigation
Swale described feeling hazy and making "very stupid decisions" before the crash, such as not sourcing food despite severe hypoglycaemia. He recalled little after blacking out until paramedics arrived. Coroner Dimitra Dubrow is investigating awareness, education, and management of diabetic drivers, along with laws around outdoor dining.
Swale said he had not received formal training on driving with diabetes in decades, though he had discussions with his endocrinologist. The inquest continues, with his endocrinologist set to give evidence, highlighting broader issues in diabetic driver regulations and safety protocols.
